Qingdao 4-Day Ultimate Family Trip! Beachcombing + Whale Watching + Camping, Complete Guide for Under 10,000 RMB on Food, Accommodation, and Transportation

A second trip to Qingdao with kids, packed with practical tips! 3 major seaside activities + 2 educational spots, kids have a blast without tiring out mom, all for about 3,000 RMB per person～ Day 1 Seaside Fun Day｜Shilaoren + Xiaomai Island Beachcombing at 9 AM is a must! Check the tide schedule in advance, dress kids in non-slip creek shoes, and bring the small shovel and bucket bought on Taobao for 38 RMB. Digging clams and catching little crabs until your hands are tired, kids squatting by the rocks shouting, “Mom, come look!” For lunch, enjoy seafood fried noodles with sour plum juice by the beach, 98 RMB for three people, refreshing and light. In the afternoon, head to Xiaomai Island, where the wooden boardwalk around the island is stroller-friendly. Picnic on the meadow and shoot Japanese-style photos. The sunset paints the sea golden-red, and kids chase bubbles for perfect shots. Day 2 Cute Animals & Science Day｜Polar Ocean World + Naval Museum Buy tickets for Polar Ocean World online in advance, 30 RMB cheaper per person than at the gate! The 11:30 beluga whale show is a must-see. The little ones dance to the music, excitedly clapping their red hands. Touch starfish and sea urchins in the pool, screaming, “So soft!” The free Naval Museum requires advance reservation. Take kids aboard a decommissioned warship, rent a small navy uniform for 40 RMB for photos. The kid puffs out his chest shouting, “I will protect the sea,” instantly heart-melting. Dinner is mackerel dumplings, 2 plates for 68 RMB, incredibly fresh. Day 3 Nature & Adventure Day｜Tangdao Bay Camping + DIY Workshop Drive to Tangdao Bay Wetland Park, with a huge parking lot for easy parking. Rent a tandem bike and ride along the coastal forest, enjoying the sea breeze. In the afternoon, set up a tent in the camping area and barbecue your own food. Nearby, the castle playground has climbing nets and sand pits, where kids team up with others for a “treasure hunt” game. At dusk, join the Fushan Forest Art Workshop to make little hedgehogs from pine cones. The instructor also shares knowledge about plants and animals. Kids proudly take their creations home. Day 4 Old Town Leisure Day｜Badaguan + Taidong Night Market In the morning, stroll through Badaguan, play “architecture detective” with the kids, counting German pointed roofs and French domes. Fly kites on the shady Linhuaiguan Road, super soothing. Don’t miss Xiaoyushan Park for 5 RMB per person. A 15-minute climb to the top offers views of red roofs, green trees, blue sea, and sky. Kids use binoculars to spot distant ships. In the evening, rush to Taidong Night Market. Sister Wang’s grilled squid tentacles are 20 RMB per skewer, spicy mix and iced jelly for 26 RMB. Buy a 15 RMB glowing bubble gun for the kids, chasing lights all the way home, full of lively local atmosphere. 💡 Expert Tips 1. Stay at a seaside guesthouse in Shinan District, two bedrooms and one living room for 680 RMB/night, sea view from the window, 5-minute walk to the beach, equipped with washing machine and kitchen, super convenient for kids; 2. Buy beachcombing tools online in advance, renting on-site costs twice as much. Remember to bring mosquito repellent and spare clothes; 3. Attractions are concentrated along the subway line, scanning QR codes to ride is very convenient. Wearing comfortable sports shoes is important. The sea breeze in Qingdao hides the sweetest family moments, with the vastness of the ocean and the warmth of companionship. This trip is a guaranteed hit! Need me to prepare a PDF version of this guide for you, with detailed transportation routes and booking links marked?